A glad I remembered adventure

This is the Waynesburg University Eberly Library.  

I did my usual meandering which I’ll save for another post.  I saw the white nationalist book in the new books section and thought-hmm maybe I should get my i.d. to check out books.  I wandered and meandered and finally found the Dewey decimal 700’s and realized that I would in fact be checking out books today.

I took a side trip here

To get my new favorite beverage- ginger beer.

And all that’s left for the afternoon is some time at the gym.  Also this morning I restrung two more ukuleles and found a new favorite singer/song-

Sunday recap and the week ahead

Chickens and birds in general were the topic of conversation at lunch today.  All I can say is that the neighborhood rooster is my muse. I'm going to the big city and pushing the aunt around the mall on Tuesday.  It should be entertaining.

We took a selfie before we went- I was trying to get greathusbanbobs Grandfather/Godfather shirt in the picture but feel really lucky to have gotten this one.

We're a cute couple- and my first attempt looked like this- so I'm no millennial.

This weekend's school work included a Spotify search of classical music pieces I want kids to hear.  The bonus find was Albinoni's Adagio in gm.  But Albinoni didn't write it. He's gotten credit for the past 400 years.  His friend wrote it for him when he died.  It's really the most lovely and sad sound I've heard in a while.

In the category of summer reading- I've been reading "Illuminations" a novel about the medieval polymath Hildegard de Bingen.  Learned about anchorites- they used to wall virgins into small rooms next to the church and they served as the anchor of the church.  Hildegarde remained trapped as the lady in waiting to the anchorite from the age of 8 until 38.  

Just so that I don't sound too pretentious I also downloaded Stephen King's sequel to The Shining about the story of Danny Torrence when he grew up. I love a good summer read.

Dinner's adventure- shrimp tacos.  Cut up shrimp, Uncle Ben's already cooked wild rice in taco seasoning.  Artisan lettuce (whatever that really is- still green- not round), stem tomatoes, shredded fresh mozzarella in a taco shell.  Millennial shrimp tacos- I know some millennials.

The meet with the trainer went well- no aching bones- today was the first day I've taken off-.  I've always been a teacher pleaser.  As soon as I think about not doing it I remember that I told the trainer it was going to be my summer job and I have to go. The worst part was the 30 second intervals on the treadmill- fast walk for 30 sec/run for 30 sec.  10 repeats.  I did not love it. But it felt good.

I'm going to take another break from school preparation tomorrow and go to the local university library and immerse myself in the stacks.  I'm hoping for this place. Quiet library stacks full of stuff I don't know- it doesn't get any better.

Except maybe this- a friend from college- and former band camp instructor colleague is a make-up artist and does facepainting at the Three Rivers Arts Festival. I share every picture she posts on facebook.  I'm kind of a groupie.  I told her I'd join her next year and busk for her. She was receptive to the idea.

Or this- also from the Three Rivers Arts Festival- Drknitnightjustine's dog Eddie at The Point. He also plays the ukulele.  I want all the dogs.  If birds were dogs, I'd be surrounded.

It's a trip.

A trip to Big Lots while waiting for the nail salon to open- purchased- a hard-boiled egg maker, birch beer, some bags of jelly belly jellybeans that were factory rejects (because of shape) and dried turkish figs.  The figs aren't as good as the fresh kind- a few years ago there were some fresh ones at the farmers market in North Carolina so I will have to remember to look.

A trip to the nail salon to get bright magenta switched to shorter less visually charged nails.  The dipped nails are by far the healthiest most successful option I've had in nail care.  Today I had to ask them to make my nails shorter so I could play the ukulele. The stylist, wanting to earn a little more and knowing my fingers would look like stubby sausages if I didn't, suggested the ombre look.  Then she suggested sparkles.  She was so happy with the sparkles, I had to say yes.

A trip to the Mart of Wal, which, yes I hate but now I know where everything is-  In addition to a large supply of high protein snacks (I have to quit eating bagels and donuts) I came up with some meal ideas-  I'm going to try to make some tacos using shrimp and rice and taco seasoning.  There is a white sauce for broccoli and pasta made of cream cheese, I got the walmart version of rye bread to make marguerite grilled cheese sandwiches and I bought some items to make a not boring salad. (including cashews,  canned beets and an apple) The start of the marguerite grilled cheese-

Last week I acquired some cream cheese for the pasta and realized how delicious it would taste on greathusbandbobs everything bagels.  This week I prepared for temptation and bought some celery to balance out the sin of cream cheese.  Let it be known that the dog does not care for celery. She will, however lick off the cream cheese.

A trip to the big city to pick up new lenses in old frames. Driving in the big city- even without the student traffic- is never much fun.  We go there on Sundays- traffic isn't bad then- I went there Wednesday this week and am scheduled to go again on Friday.  When I arrived at the optical center, the technician smiled and said "they told you only one pair came in, right?"  Wrong.

In further complaints about the optical center- When I checked in yesterday (just in case I missed the call while with aunt and cousin) I had to fill out a slip of paper with my name and why I was there.  The kid at the desk handed it to a technician at the door to the lab who handed it to another technician  just coming to the door of the lab.  These people were not more than 10 feet apart.  It would have been just as effective for someone to peek into the lab, say my name and answer yes or no.

Today, having completed the requisite technician request form I waited patiently and saw no less than 6 technicians on the floor (in an area that might be 12'x15'- three of them were trying to solve a computer problem,  (actually one was- the other two were watching) and two were with customers.  One stood at the door of the lab in case any technical request forms had to be passed along.  It was the most ridiculous set up I have ever observed.

A trip to zumba is on the schedule for later this evening.  And while I wish I would just shut up and play the ukulele, I foresee a trip to nap time in the near future.

Rasta Bob

In case everything drives me crazy today, there is at least this-

Like Pampaloma only easier

Can I just say how impressed I was with myself that the name of the city where the running of the bulls just jumped into my brain?  I didn't even know I knew that.

Anyway- the yearly event (like the running of the bulls) of sorting through, folding and putting away clean clothes that had been neglected was this morning's goal.  It looks like this now.

Why yes, there are some jeans and scarves that don't have a home yet but it's much better than it was when I started.  The box is full of unmatched socks and poor fitting underwear.  That it is a small box is also a notable achievement as usually it is a large garbage bag.  The clothes in the closet have not been addressed.  I'm thinking about waiting to see what I can wear at the end of the summer before doing any culling.

Those of you who pay close attention to the furniture arrangement of the dog's room will notice that there is a little cart missing.  It has been moved to the other side of the room where the light is better so I can give this a try.

It's one of three paint by number kits I purchased.  The cool part is that it is on canvas rather than paper.  This is the one I like the least- I want to improve my skills before trying the one I like the best.    Another new thing for summer 2019.

Speaking of new things... Our air conditioner had babies- really the bird that built a nest on top of the air conditioner in our bedroom had babies.  Each morning-and many afternoons- we hear this-

Which is actually more adorable than annoying.

This afternoon calls for laundry, zumba and grocery shopping and a trip to pay for the meds at the vet.  Also mental preparation for the big outing with aunt and cousin tomorrow.  I hope my brain doesn't explode.

I gave LizaJane the muscle relaxers prescribed by DrAmyZumba.  I had nightmares about pets paralyzed from the waist down (which is how she looked at the end of the night last night- one leg was unusable.  The other was sagging.)  This morning she was back to normal. What the actual what. She's a little reluctant at getting up on her own bed but she was fine with flying off of ours this morning.  I'm just glad she's o.k. and that I didn't paralyze her.

A Day in the Life

A pause in the curriculum project- other than researching interesting  facts about previous presidents to make them relevant to 8th graders. For instance-

Calvin Coolidge- would push buttons and ring bells to get his staff to coming running and then hide from them just to watch and see who was working.

Herbert Hoover’s son had two pet alligators which were occasionally permitted to run loose throughout the White House.

Jimmy Carter- filed a UFO report in 1973.

After that exploration it was time to play some piano music. First some easy pieces that Mozart wrote when he was 5.  That's more than a little humbling.

Next was the Reader's Digest Family Songbook which, in fact, contains many songs from the 1910's to 1930's- which completely connects with the work of last week.  Where else can you find sheet music to My Merry Oldsmobile.

After that was a trip to meet knitnightgina and Drknitnightjustine. We went to-

in Washington, PA- where they name their sandwiches after their kids.  I had-

And it was fabulous.

In other news-the dog was shivering in fear this morning- woken up by thunderstorms- I gave her 1mg of xanax as prescribed.  It was too much- she later jumped off the bed and hurt her leg- she spent the day doped up and limping and unable to hold herself up when trying to do her business outside (I held up her ass again)

Fortunately new friend DrAmy was at zumba tonight and she goes back to the office to pick up her dog Henry.  I followed her and got an anti-inflammatory and will pick up some pain meds tomorrow.  I told her I was on call for any musical need she may ever have.

Mat Pilates and Zumba rounded out the night.

Saturday entertainment

So we got a catalogue from a company named Uline.  The first 100 pages contain cardboard boxes of various styles and sizes.

Then there were thes pictures which seriously cracked me up. Because the coverall with hood would be useless without the complimentary Sexy Zebra Knife.  I really would like to get the crowd control posts and rope for secretarysandy but 6 feet is just too long.

Add to that a morning of Barre and Zumba class, and it’s a perfect day.

Quest for knowledge

This morning's art work- meh.

This morning's discoveries-

St. Hildegard of Bingen-  a medieval nun who was an artist, healer, poet and musician.  A nice contrast to daVinci.

Andy Goldsworthy- a nature artist with a documentary called Leaning In.

All inspired by yesterday's Mandala book.

Daily Report

The morning began by meeting Rachael the athletic trainer.  She's not the cute perky type.  She's more the I studied my ass of at school and I'm really good at this type.  I think I'll like her. She's both an athletic trainer and a physical therapist- 2 for the price of 1 so I got some rehab exercises for the knitters elbow.

After that hour I went to school and visited the counselor and the secretary- knowing that they had to work extra days.  I also picked up a keyboard stand to go with the keyboard I should have put into use in the first place.  I also picked up this-

It's a 5-gallon bucket and drumsticks- if you go to bucketdrumming.net, you'll see the cheesy guy that may save my life in the 8th grade general music class.  He's really kind of hilarious.  I didn't like him at first but he is a good teacher and we'll see what happens.  One thing I must do is get good at it.  I'm thinking the goal will be to take it outside to practice- get some sun while I'm dong it.

Cousin's cell phone spritzed out during the last lightning storm- or so she says- I don't know how that could have happened.  I'm thinking it's just as possible she dropped it or it fell into the sink which is next to where she leaves it. Either way it doesn't matter, but she will always be worried about "getting in trouble" no matter how easy going greathusbandbob and I are.

I spent some time reading- well- like 3 minutes before I fell asleep for a nap. And then went to zumba.  Fried eggs and hummus for dinner. White sweet potato smoked paprika Hungarian casserole was not my favorite.  Too much onion.  I'm gong to have to secretly dispose of it tomorrow- slip it in to a plastic baggie and find a trash can in public.

Doesn't every summer start like this- strong blogging, organized tasks, plans for the day.  In three weeks I'm going to be proud of myself if I manage not to play Candy Crush Soda all day.

art goals

Art is always on the summer list.  It's always easier to list it than to do it.  One of the tricks this year is to dedicate myself to looking at one of the art books or online art courses that I have and while not committing to making art, at least commit to reading about making art.  As one would expect, reading about making art tends to turn into making art.

I've also given myself permission to make art across days rather than finish something every day.

Today's book of choice was this one-

About 15 pages into it I saw this-

It's called Rangoli ground art. So I googled it and loved it and experimented with it.  It's from Northern India and uses chalk dust, rice dust, often dyed.  I have no interest in the medium itself but the designs and patterns are ones that I love.  After several explorations, the first art of the summer begins like this-

It has absolutely taken my doodle brain to a place it had not been before, so mission accomplished.

In Other News- Lillizajane had a trip to the vet this morning.  She has fatty lumps under her skin.  I just wanted to make sure they weren't more than that.  She had to be sedated- the vet tech called it "twilight."  

I have her the pills 2 hours before.  At appointment time she had trouble standing on 4 legs.  I took her to the grass to  pee before we left and she collapsed to the ground in pee position.  Then laid down all the way.  I picked her up and she peed on me.  All the way home she kept saying I love you, man. As drunks do.

And yet, when Dr. Amy aspirated the lumps, Liza was still able to show her displeasure with an attempt at snapping. She also prescribed some xanax for thunderstorms. I hope it helps.

She got her full exam and a complimentary nail trim and I'm calling it mission accomplished.

At The Gym-

I have a dr appointment in the afternoon (the usual mat pilates time) so I forced myself to go to "drumming" for group exercise today.  I did not love it but it was an o.k. workout.  Big giant gray ball, drumsticks, squats, crunches and twists while drumming.  And there were 5 million people there. (which by 5 million I mean any number greater than 15.)  I like the instructor- she does the barre class as well but drumming is only if I can't make something else in a given day.

Tomorrow is the first meeting with the trainer.  This is the first and last time I'm going to think about it until it happens.  It makes me anxious.

Check it off

Today-hatha yoga, Zumba, mani-pedi, knit night and some investigation into bucket drumming.

I don’t love mani-pedi’s but I can’t go to barre, yoga and mat Pilates with uglier ass feet.  The nail technician earned hazard pay.

Analogy

There is a breeze that can be felt at sunset when the last bit of sunlight dips below the horizon.

That is the same easy breath of relief that comes when driving home to begin summer vacation.

The year ended in classic "can you believe this $hi! manner.  I went to the principals office for my yearly evaluation.

I decided to up my game and call myself "distinguished" which involves writing paragraphs containing evidence of such.  It an also involve sharing student work as proof of achievement.

I was playing examples of student work and my evaluator was talking over it (like it was a radio in the background) telling me about her tax issues.

She agreed with and wrote positive comments in all of my distinguished categories.  Because she did not double check the electronic form, I came out as "accomplished" (one step lower) on the paper instead. Oh irony of ironies.

On Wednesday last week she shared next years tentative schedule with the faculty so that we could point out problem areas and inconsistencies (of which there were many)  She thought she pop on over to her office to fix them which I, of course knew wouldn't happen.  The special ed teacher joined her as an extra set of eyes (at her request). It never got resolved and we moved on to the irrelevant math session.

The special ed teacher took what had been submitted home and spent 5 hours making it work. (the same thing I used to do.) When she handed it to the principal saying she believe that she fixed it, the principal disregarded it.  No surprise there.  Famous quote circa 2016 YOU WILL NEVEER DO THE SCHEDULE WHILE I'M PRINCIPAL.

The good news is that none of this is anything more to me than something to write about.  The exit breeze has been felt and nothing else matters.

And for the second Sunday in a row we have found ourselves stranded at the side of the road.  Last week the wheel ball joint came completely disconnected from the vehicle. We were able to make it to the home of the Aunt's but there was about 2 miles of traveling in Morgantown that were completed by divine intervention because when we went to tow it- it would not even move forward. We had our first uber ride. We were out of sorts until it made it to the local dealer via tow.  It was repaired and all was well.

Today on the way out we noticed that the air wasn't really working. Halfway home the lights were flashing and the reserve radiator was not delivering coolant.  We pulled over once, pulled over again and one of greathusbandbob's friends lived nearby and took us home.  We drove my car back to his and managed to get his to the dealer to see what's in store for it tomorrow.  It's so great that greathusbandbob has spent the last 15 years building relationships with the dealership.

Tomorrow- the first adventure of the summer brings a dentist appointment, an eye appointment and a trip to walmart with the aunt. and in spite of the scheduling of that she still managed a passive aggressive complaint about never getting out.

Oasis in the Desert Right Here.

I have a good tribe. I was the last one to arrive at a lunch I wasn’t expecting to go to and was so happy to be with them (instead of the crowd I had meetings with) that as soon as I walked in I insisted on a picture.and I love that everyone is looking at me for real.

Belligerent, that's me

A series of events between yesterday and today

1. a leadership team meeting where the only thing discussed was scheduling dates and times for make up evenings for early out during holidays for parent conferences, assigned book studies and how she will collect lesson plans next year.

2. A morning spent skim/reading a book called the BOLD school which is all about combining old practices with new and using technology only when appropriate

.

3. The high school band director came in and told me of the 30 kids in my appreciation class, two of them are students that I taught at elementary juvey school who regularly conflict with each other.  (see what happens when you're nice to the bad kids)

4. A presentation of next years schedule where her method of scheduling and fixing is like a kindergarten class trying to fix a circle at the beginning of the year- instead of moving in to close a gap, they just keep scooching around and around and moving the gap.  

5. The tech person presented the idea that there were 7 basic math competencies and I was put into a group with the art teacher and the physed teacher (who you may recall has moron like qualities.) and we were supposed to create a poster on math competency number 5- Utilizing tools strategically.

At this point a lost it in a big a$$ way.  Instructions weren't clear- it was a subject I didn't teach and I was partnered with two others who had no math teaching experience. I looked at the tech person and said (while everyone in the room stopped and stared) what am I supposed to be doing- I don't teach math.  Why am I being asked to explore math competencies that I know absolutely nothing about.  I don't get it. I don't teach math.

Come to find we had to copy what was on a web-site- to demonstrate the competency- make sure kids knew to use a measuring cup to measure milk instead of a ruler- which is what our poster essentially demonstrated.  Because clearly no one has figured that shit out yet. 

I worked like an adult, I apologized to her personally (she said it was really embarrassing for her WTF? Oh, you mean like being a music teacher talking about math competencies?) and to the group for the outburst.

6 hours of meaningless drivel.  And tomorrow I get to do the same thing with music teacher colleagues. Bring a breakfast item. I am taking a vow of silence with the hope that it will get me through the day- otherwise I will leave early.

I've told the new special ed teacher (who had the wedding to weeks ago) that I have a crush on her and will she be my girlfriend.  She drops the f bomb like a pirate and we share a higher expectation of humor which means everyone thinks we're both hilarious when we are barely trying.  I taught her when she was in kindergarten through sixth grade.  Same with her new husband.  The crush is because of this delayed present-

A gratitude journal for tired-ass women.  The plan was for them to write in it while I was home recovering.  Because that never transpired she gave it to me yesterday.  It will give us something to look forward to when school starts- a group journal that includes categories of Assholes of the day, People I managed not to harm, etc.  As it will be a shared written item, it required a brown paper wrapper that doesn't invite investigation.  Because I am the music teacher I often have to fix xylophone bars.  Also my girlfriend likes bars and saying the f bomb- hence the xylophone bar with an f.

Today I tried a new recipe- refreshing carrot apple salad carrots, apples, olive oil, lemon, salt, sugar and walnuts (except I forgot the walnuts). It was amazing.

Lots of adventures coming- perhaps something to write about.

Last Day of School

The rant/vent-

Today we had a leadership team meeting.  The intended purpose of these meetings is to make use of the knowledge of faculty to improve the school.  The previous principal, while he had many flaws, was more than ready to give up the reigns and anyone who wanted to take initiative was encouraged. The group dynamic of the teachers at that time was such that initiatives rarely happened.

Yesterday's meeting involved selecting dates (which were essentially pre-determined by tradition) to have parent conferences, meetings and staff development.  We were however invited to create a committee to plan the open house- another tradition with pretty clear guidelines as to structure.  No one volunteered for this.  I'm guessing because it felt like it would be too much of an exercise in "mommy can we do this? can we? can we?"

While our counselors and behavior specialists came with an outline of ideas written down to share, the only individuals who got to speak were ones complaining about the meeting dates because her son plays football and another complaining about planned book studies (all books picked by admin) because she doesn't read.

The dinner gang that is full of smart agreed with my coup attempt in that we will gather, hash out the details of the good idea the is brewing and present it once complete.  Normally this would be an above board process with a summer stipend to cover our time.  That involves the poor leadership dictating guidelines.  This way we can blow up the idea into reality and she can either take it or not.  If nothing else people who like each other and laugh together will get a chance to hang out in the summer.

I shared texts with a 5th grade teacher who wants to begin a recycling program with student leaders.  My role in the communication was to suggest ways of going about it without needing to ask for school-wide permission.  Start small and expand rather than beginning an entirely new initiative.

We finally have a staff that is energized and we have a leader who is defensive and defeatist.

Enough of the complaining rant- on to the last day.On this last day, the few kids I had got to play with scarves and puppets.

Normally I like to blur out the faces of kids before I post their pictures. I am making an exception today because the faces are what makes the pictures the best. (along with the scarf costumes and puppet baby carriers.)  What I notice the most about these picture is the confidence of their chosen look.  Kids asked to have their pictures taken and immediately wanted to see them.  I had them look up to better catch the lighting in the room.

And finally, I am attempting to crochet another Atlanticus.  It is an enormous beautiful mandala and I've had some inspiration regarding color choices and the use of yarn in my stash.  I hope I follow through on this.

Coming events- today is professional development at school. I will be knitting a sock to hide my resting bitch face.  The only thing worse than being ignored as a specialist is being given meaningless busy work.  Tomorrow it's to the big city with a similar day with music teacher colleagues and while the subject matter will improve, the feeling of been there, done that will not.  Friday is finish closing up the room day.  We received an email from our fearful leader indicating that while she will begin checking people out at 2:00 that day, we may not leave until 3:00 (normal quitting time being 4:00.) and no one should ask to do otherwise.

Not really giving a shit any more, I immediately went to see her and informed her that I would be taking a 1/2 day on Friday as I have a dr. appt. at 3:00 pm.  She grimaced.  I considered having the dr. office send a note with the appointment listed on it but thought better of it.  I'll get a dr. slip when I am finished that day.

In #irony category.  There are two categories above "mediocre" in the teacher evaluations.  They are "accomplished" and "distinguished."  Accomplished allows you to pass go and collect $200.  Distinguished is the highest category but requires paragraph descriptors and documentation.  The activities the 5th grade students did for the six weeks I was out this year lend themselves to consideration for distinguished.  Yes, you read that right.  My evaluation will be higher this year because I did less actual engaging.  Welcome to the world of WV education. sigh.

on tonights menu

I'll start with this- Its called Iskiate and originate with the Mexican Tarahumara Indians.  It's contributes to endurance energy.  Good to drink pre or post- workout.  Another advantage is that it looks like frog eggs.  Ingredients are water, chia seeds and lime. Chill and drink The recipe can be found here.  As I drink I realize that I forgot the sweetening agent but I like it without anyway.

For dinner tonight some haluski-

While the recipe called for 2 sticks of butter- I stopped at one.  Some onion powder, garlic powder and lots of pepper.  I've made it before when I had an electric frying pan and 14" cabbages from the neighbors garden.  A smaller head of grocery store cabbage made it much more manageable.  Also, a gift from the internet- after combining it I baked it at 300° for 30 minutes which allegedly combines the flavors, cooks off some butter and makes it a little crispy on top.

I can't remember for sure- my grandma must have cooked cabbage when we were there.  I'm pretty sure I never ate it then but the smell of it cooked is like entering a time machine.

In response to the bipolar nature of those two foods there is this.  We get an extra check in the mail (secret savings sort of) right before Christmas and summer break.  Today's check just about covered the cost of 10 50-minute individual training sessions at the gym beginning June 3.  It's time to get real.

Yesterday's cousin adventure.  We went to a local clothing overstock store in the same plaza where we usually get Chinese food.  Also in this plaza is a new Italian café that I suggested we try. I surprised her with dinner because if you tell her she'll ask about it all week.  I took her clothes purchase to the car and pointed her in the direction of the cafe (a few stores up.)  She walks slowly so I thought we'd get there at the same time. I turned around and she was nowhere to be seen.  Either she walked fast or was abducted.  I check in the cafe- not there.  I check in the stores between the clothes store and the cafe in case she didn't realize they weren't restaurants.  Finally I realize what happened and there she was having already ordered a pepsi and anticipating the sweet and sour pork.

And finally- Aunt's tomorrow, a free day on Monday- kids at school on Tuesday, one day of closing shop, two days of stupid staff development and summer begins on June 3.

16 years a festival

I remember the first one. SouthAfricaAnna came to visit from Philadelphia having just recovered from two knee replacements and gastric bypass surgery.  We bought needles and railroad track yarn and really had little idea about what we were doing.  It was the worst possible fiber to start with- but then again it made everything else feel easy.

I like to take a canvas bag for my purchases rather than carry around multiple bags.  I had to remove yarn from a canvas bag to find one.  This gave me pause about actually buying any yarn. (which I did not do.)  Instead I bought hand sewn bags for yarn, stitch markers, a handleless coffee mug, some soap and lotion, and some silver jewelry and buttons.

The lady with the silver jewelry (made from vintage silverware) was my most favorite.

It is absolutely the ring I've been looking for.  And it's made of silverware. In the center are buttons that will be used on a sweater I will knit someday.

So while I refrained from fiber, I did my best to encourage quality vendors to return by not going for the cheapest item and paying in cash.  

Last weekends wedding on the mountain in the rain left me with some bronchial distress- that combined with a morning of retail therapy requires a hearty nap.

Life's Wheels

A little more than 25 years ago there was a kindergarten student who decided that I mostly walked on water.  I got a huge hug every single morning (all the way through 6th grade).  When she was in 2nd grade she made me a puppet from what appeared to be a mattress cover pad shaped like an oven mitt without the thumb.  It was two pieces sewn together with yarn.  Mismatched buttons for eyes and a mouth made with magic marker.

It is no accident that she was selected to wear the uniform when I was connected with the guest musicians presenting at our school. She got to be the conductor of the brass quintet.  This is as close to playing favorites as teachers can get.

When she was little and asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would (from as early as 2nd grade) reply "I want to be a doctor. An oncologist."

Fast forward x number of years.  She's an RN, her sister is a drug addict who has had 3 children in the last 5 years and she, a single girl with the heart of an angel is now the gaurdian of all three (and a couple of dogs, well, because dogs.)

Greathusbandbob had to visit a pain management clinic in the cancer center for his knee pain.  If he has knee pain he can't walk.  If he can't walk, he gets short of breath. He was dreading this visit- fearing they might look at him as another guy trying to get easy access to drugs.  He went there armed with the above crux of the issue but never needed it because this adorable angel was his nurse.

In spite of the casualness of the conversations the normal everyday business, it was all just beyond the realm of the mundane. To me it was magical.  Every time I think about Megs taking care of greathusbandbob there is a wave of well-being that surges through me.

What a wonderful world.  Now it is she who is doing the water-walking.

Just Say No

Here is a list of advantages to a Zumba glow party-

It's dance.

It runs for an extra half hour.

It raises money for a good cause.

Here are the reasons a Zumba Glow Party might not be for you.

It's dark.

There are swirling disco lights.

There are three times as many people there.

It's loud and you forgot your ear plug.

I went.  I wore my glow stick bracelets.  I made jokes with zumbafriend Amy about paying attention to personal space.  We laughed at the girl who always takes selfies in front of the mirror before each class. She had clearly spent some time decking herself out in glow.  We tried to follow the guest instructor even though it was too dark to really see anything.  Then we followed our regular instructor. And though we mostly knew those moves, it was much more difficult in the dark.  Then I went home.  After 1/2 an hour.

I like childlike fun as much as the next person.  In fact, possibly more, but this was a contrived version of someone's version of childlike fun- in a "I wish my glow sticks were as cool as hers" king of way.

When I looked at it abstractly, there we were, 40+ adult women standing around in the dark trying to copy the dance moves we couldn't see and yelling and cheering on command.  I just couldn't buy into it.

Suffice it to say that my next birthday party will not be a glow party.

Wake up Wake up

or not.

I took the day off for a 3:00 doctors appointment in Morgantown today.  I fell asleep at 11:45 and didn't wake up until 2:45- too late to make the drive to the appointment.  Ugh.

I did get my car inspected this morning- it must have worn me out.

Last week I gave the bride-to-be her champagne mini-bottles and knitted wedding dress.  I'm going to try to leave something for her to laugh at this week.  Also if I were getting married, I'd want people to be excited for me at work too.

Here is Monday's something blue (also her wedding colors are Tiffany blue and gray.)

It reads- "Calm UR Tits."  It's from the get well coloring book that I am certain she picked out for me.